2012 Nissan Navara 2.5L Diesel · AF12 WGC

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 December 2025 resulted in a fail with a dangerous defect recorded against the nearside front track rod end ball joint, where wear had progressed to the point that there was a serious risk of detachment, alongside a major advisory concerning a supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault. The same date also shows a pass entry with no defects recorded, which is somewhat unusual but suggests the dangerous and major items may have been addressed and a retest subsequently cleared. Reviewing the broader trend over the four-year MOT window, the maintenance picture is mixed and arguably worsening rather than stable. The 2022 test carried a major structural failure for a fractured nearside rear chassis with significantly reduced structural rigidity, the 2024 test failed dangerously on the front propeller shaft universal joint likely to become detached, and the 2025 test failed dangerously on the front steering. Three dangerous or major structural and drivetrain defects across four years on a vehicle of this type is a serious concern, and although advisories have been present throughout, the escalation to dangerous-category failures indicates that worn component replacement has been inconsistent. Recorded mileage stands at 191,122 miles on a fourteen-year-old vehicle, equating to approximately 13,650 miles per year, which is high for the age and mileage bracket of a 2012 Navara and points to sustained heavy use rather than the lower annual averages typically seen on light-use private vehicles. There is no significant mileage gap recorded between consecutive tests, with annual accumulation broadly consistent at twelve to sixteen thousand miles per year, which confirms regular working use. High-mileage commercial-style operation accelerates wear on drivetrain components such as prop shaft universal joints and grease points, suspension bushes, ball joints, track rod ends, brake discs and pads, and clutch assemblies. It also raises the importance of inspecting for fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, transfer box and differential, particularly the rear differential oil leak which has been noted as an advisory in earlier MOT records. Prospective buyers should place particular emphasis on the steering and suspension components given the dangerous track rod end failure and the recurring advisory on the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint noted in 2023. On a test drive, listen for any clonks, knocks or wandering from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly on full lock or over speed bumps, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which would confirm a worn ball joint or incorrect geometry. The front tyres have been flagged as worn close to the legal limit on both sides in consecutive tests in 2024, so verify the remaining tread depth and ensure the replacement rubber is of a reputable brand with matching sizes on each axle. Examine the front brake discs for any lipping or scoring, and check the rear brake drums for any oil contamination from the differential seal, as this was previously flagged. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault must be professionally diagnosed, as this could relate to a faulty seatbelt pretensioner, airbag module, crash sensor, or simply a loose connector under the seat. Beyond the recorded defects, the overall condition of the chassis and structural areas warrants close physical inspection, particularly around the nearside rear chassis rail which was previously recorded as fractured, and any repair should be backed by verifiable documentation and ideally a post-repair inspection report. Inspect the prop shaft and its universal joints for any play, grease loss or perished rubber doughnuts, and check the exhaust mounting on the offside rear, as a broken bracket was noted in 2022 and 2024. Given the high annual mileage and age, verify that the cambelt or timing chain service interval has been observed, that the cooling system has been refreshed within the last two to three years, and that the automatic or manual gearbox fluid has been changed according to manufacturer schedule. Finally, check the condition of all fluids under the bonnet, examine the 12V battery for adequate cranking performance and clean terminals, and inspect the underside of the vehicle on a ramp for corrosion, fluid residue, perished rubber components, and the general integrity of the rear differential and driveshaft seals.